Environmental Impact Assessment for a

Proposed AC Milan Hydroelectric Power

Generation Plant to be site at

Avocat Village, Ravine, Blannchisseuse

Prepared By

Surindra Basdeo

Prepared For

ENM 235

Lecturer: Mr. Vivian Joseph

In Association With

Cipriani College of Labour & Co-Operative Studies

April 2009

1
 Cipriani College of
Labour &
Co-Operative Studies
Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Valsayn

Name: Surindra Basdeo

Student I.D #: 2006030585

Program: Bachelors of Science Occupational Safety;

Health; Environment.

Course: Environmental Investigative and Impact

Assessment Technique

Code: ENM 235

2
Lecturer: Mr. Vivian Joseph

TABLE OF CONTENT

PAGE #

Preface
5

Acknowledgment 5

Introduction 6

QUESTION 7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Background 8

Introduction 9

Transformation chart 10

Site Map 11

Residual Environmental Impact 12

Residual Social Impact 12

Mitigation Measures 12-13

Environmental Management Plan 13

CONCLUSION 1

Required Approval \ Agency 14-15

Certificate of Environmental Clearance 16-17

3
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE:

Quality Management 18

Terrestrial Map 19

BASELINE STUDY:

Topography 20

Drainage 20

Geology 20-21

Flora 20

Avi-Fauna\ Terrestrial Fauna 21-22

Rainfall 23

Sewage 23

Healthcare 23

Water Quality 24

Impact Prediction 24-25

Impact Assessment 26

Mitigation Measures 27-29

Conclusion 2 30-36

Bibliography 37

4
Preface:

This project compiles together, to explain the effects of some Environmental effects
Positive or Negative Impact that a Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant would have on
the community and surrounding area of Avocat Village, Blanchissues, the citizens
anatomical and physiological system that resides in that perimeter. It intends to identify
the problems, allow you to understand the predictable effects, and the necessary measures
to deal with it. Give an understanding with the presentation of information from different
experts. Explain the control.

As we are now into the twentieth century dramatic, a change has seen to affect the
perspective of the Environment and Workplace safety. The most notable of these is the
instant availability of detailed information on all subjects pertaining to health. Since the
inception of the Environmental and Safety regulations and OSHA laws, one of the
principal problems was how to find relevant information and essential information. What
was need, thought, strategy or guidance for coming into compliance with the volume
standards? This is considered one of the best strategies for Sustainable Safety and
Environmental development.

Acknowledgment:

This project Environmental Impact Assessment would not have been conducted without
the help and forbearance of a number of people. I wish to acknowledge the support
information of Cipriani College of Labour and Co- Operative Studies (CCLCS) in this
endeavor, especially that given by Mr. Vivian Joseph. I am indebted to a number of
colleagues for their helpful suggestion and provision of materials. In particular, special

5
thanks are due to the Mr. Hatim Ali. A special mention should be made to the author of all
the reference books that were used for information to complete this project and the
document of institution or organization that was also included.

Introduction:

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if not completed, is a situation that could

result in Negative Safety and Environmental occurrence or armed conflict that produces
stress, personal injury physical damage, and economic disruption of great magnitude.

EIA is a high – priority item for Health Safety and Environmental Managers. Although
passed of by some health and safety professionals as technical and not necessary, it is
actually a challenging task with new technologies pressing the state of the art.

EIA has some obvious prediction and some not-so-obvious ones. Almost everyone
respects the danger of not conducting an EIA, but serious consideration must continue to
occur, and acceptable means of guarding both obvious and subtle hazards impact from
leading to disaster needs to be considered.

While all hydroelectric dams have some environmental impact, the impacts vary widely,
and current regulations and policies attempt to address environmental concerns. A dam
may either create a reservoir or may be a run-of-river project that does not store large
amounts of water but simply takes advantage of a river's natural flow. A dam that Fish
ladder. creates a reservoir may flood a large area upstream, and can change flow patterns
and impact flooding downstream with resulting environmental consequences, either
positive or negative. Fish migration, which has long been a concern associated with
dams, is often addressed with fish ladders and other structures to ensure the successful
movement of fish both upstream and downstream.

6
QUESTION:

 The proposal put forward for consideration was a Hydroelectric Power Generation
Plant, with all modern facilities (water, electricity, telephone, cable, etc.).
Additional development and infrastructure includes flood control measures,
turbine (water wheel), generator, controls, switchgear and facilities for water
sports, to become tourist attractions (one of the positive effect that accompanies
this development)

Assign:

To conduct an EIA

 Do a baseline study, information on the geology, topography, flora, fauna, water,

water quality, rainfall and air quality pollution.
 Identify and describe the live hood impact on the environment (positive &
negative) going back into the baseline looking at the environment, people
lifestyle, and present land use and how that impacted on lifestyle.
 Assess the significance of those impacts (positive & negative)
 Mitigation, what measures can be implemented to mitigate, negative impact and
exploit positive impact.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

In March of 2009, AC Milan Power Generation Company Limited and the citizens of
Avocat Village, Blanchissues proposed to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries,
and the, Ministry of Tourism Industry of Trinidad & Tobago for the development of The
Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant. The proposal put forward for consideration was a
Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant, with all modern facilities (water, electricity,
telephone, cable, etc.). Additional development and infrastructure includes flood control
measures, turbine (water wheel), generator, controls, switchgear and facilities for water
sports, to become tourist attractions. This project is the first on this large scale that moves
Trinidad & Tobago further downstream in the Energy and Tourism Industry and involves
a collaborative effort, from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and the
Ministry of Tourism acting on behalf of the government of Trinidad & Tobago and the
Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad & Tobago acting on the public.

A joint venture has been formed to manage the project development and ownership of
this Power Generation Plant, The Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and
Tobago and The National Reforestation Watershed & Rehabilitation Program to look after
necessary adjustment that would have to be made for environmental disturbance. AC
Milan Power Generation Company, Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, and
Ministry of Tourism for Creating and financing, the community of Avocat Village and
surrounding areas with approximately 250 direct jobs with the projected minimum 2:1
ratio of indirect job creation in support services and entrepreneurial activities.

8
Introduction

The proposed Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant is to be sited on approximately 50

acres of land at Blanchisseuse Waterfall, Avocat Village, Ravine, Blanchisseuse, the
proposed site is bounded to the north by Blanchisseuse Village and land belonging to the
state, to east Marianne River and Mt Aripo, to the south lands belonging to Mr. James
O’Connor and the Ravine River, to the West by the Arima Main Road and CROWN.

Development planning in Trinidad and Tobago is subject to a number of policy and

regulatory factors, primary among which are

1. The certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules (2001) made under

Environmental Management Act # 3 of 2000
2. The Outline and Planning Regulation made under the town and Country Planning
Act.

This project will therefore have to satisfy all requirements in law that relate to
development planning before it receives final approval to go forward from the feasibility
phase to development phase. If approved, the project will see the construction and
development of the AC Milan Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant.

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 TRANSFORMATION FACILITIES

Hydroelectric Power
Generation Plant

Tourism Industry Park Direct Jobs Indirect Jobs

(250 Plant workers)

Directors (125 Jobs in the Private
Managers Businesses in the Community
Supervisors
(10 workers) Laborers
and surrounding area)
Tour guides Food and beverage Entrepreneur,
Maintenance workers Transportation Ethical growth
Maintenance workers
Hospitality Workers & Visitors accommodation Cultural growth
Auto Vehicles Maintenance Holistic development
Private health care Accessibility
Infrastructure
Economical development
Social development
Water sports development (water polo) Healthcare development
Tourist attraction Security
Aesthetic development

10
Site Map of the Propose Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant
at Blanchisseuse Forest

11
The CEC Rules, 2001 were made under section 26(h) of the Environmental Management
Act, 2000 and came into effect on July 7 2001. The CEC (Designated Activities) Order,
2001 outline a list of activities that requires a CEC Order, 2001- establishment of the
proposed AC Milan Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant is consistent with activity
26(h). The CEC rule describes the process to apply for and obtain a CEC. Rule 5(1) of the
CEC Rules describe the process for preparation of the TOR for an Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Study While Rule 10 outlines the standard of preparation of EIA.

Residual Environment Impacts

The AC Milan Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant would be modern design that
incorporates a number of engineering design elements that will allow it to meet relevant
Environmental Protection Agency, de-forestation, effluent discharges solid and hazardous
waste treatment and disposal, wild life protection society and standard for gaseous
emissions. The industry design will also allow it to comply full with regulatory
requirements for pollution prevention and control to be made.

Residual Social Impacts

There would be resentment among residents of the communities surrounding Avocat

Village regarding the development of this large Energy Industry in there “backyard”, As a
rural community may be transformed into a big industry. They may be skeptical of the
benefits to be derived from the industry (jobs, business development etc.) and not
outsiders.

Mitigation Measures

Residual Environment Impacts

The major potential impacts of the AC Milan Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant
would be at the design stage and maintenance of the project as discussed above. This
level of impact mitigation is however precedent on the running of this industry in strict
accordance with design standards and standards operational procedures. To ensure that

12
this is achieved, the industry must be run on the principle of continuous improvement in
accordance with the ISO 9001-2000 Standard for quality management, ISO 14001 for
environmental management and ISO 18001 for health and safety environmental
management.

Residual Social Impacts

The management of community issues is never simple and requires the establishment of
open line of communication between the industrial stakeholders and its residential
neighbour. There is also the need for public awareness, public education and the
community right to know so that the residents of the communities around the AC Milan
Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant are well informed and cognizant of all issues
relating to the industry.

Environmental Management Plan

The Environmental Management Authority must ensure that a comprehensive health,

safety and environmental management system, modeled along the lines of the ISO 14001
and ISO 18001 international guidelines, to ensure compliance with all applicable laws
and standards and the industry’s corporate standards of performance. The industry
corporate performance should be governed by its stated HSE policy and its policies and
procedures that governed standard operational procedures emergency planning and
response, and community right to know. The Environmental Management Authority must
ensure that an environmental monitoring plan must be included and in-co-operated in the
condition for grant of the CEC.

Conclusion

The aim of this project is to develop the area of Avocat Village and Surrounding areas
into an Energy industry without having any major effect on the environment, and what
ever negative effect it may have, correct environmental procedure would be in placed to
avoid\reduce it. At the same introduce a better social life for the citizen in that community
by creating new and dynamic opportunity.

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REQUIRED APPROVAL APPROVAL AGENCY
Certificate of environmental clearance • Environmental management
Authority
Environmental Impact assessment
Design of Building and Industry Structures • Director of Civil Aviation
• Ministry of Tourism and Tourism
Industries

• Chief Design Engineer of the

Regional Corporation
Portable Water Supply and Treatment and • Water and Sewerage Authority
Disposal of Sanitary Waste

Provision for Carrying Out Random Test

Surface Water Drainage • Drainage Division of the Ministry
of Work and Transport
Safety and Health Of Workers • Ministry of Labour

• Local Health Authority

Fire Safety • Chief Fire Officer

Emergency Response Plan • The Regional Coperation

Disposal of Garbage and other Solid Waste • Solid Waste Management Company
of T & T Ltd.

• Environmental Management
Authority
Disposal And Control of Hazardous Waste • Solid Waste Management Company
of T & T Ltd.

• Environmental Management
Authority

• Ministry of Public Utilities and The

14
 Environment
Monitoring Program • Environmental Management
Authority

Electrical Regulation • Electricity Commission

Provision For Car Parking • Town and Country Planning
Landscaping • Town and Country Planning
Advertisements\ Sign • Town and Country Planning
Approval of Planning Permission • Town and Country Planning

Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC)

15
Under the Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules, new development requires an
application for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC). The purpose of the CEC
is to determine the environmental impact of the proposed activity.

A description of the activity explaining-

• The purpose and objective of the activity?

The construction and development of AC Milan Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant

• A description of the site and the areas likely to be affected by the proposed
activity?

A rural forested area along a main river and waterfall

• The size and scale of the activity including capacity, throughput, land space and
covered areas?

50 acres that is a very dense forested area, low population

• The type of process and equipment or machinery to be involved?

Heavy construction equipment, a lot of excavation and clearance

• The types, quantity and source of input materials?

Electricity, telephone, cables, all modern facilities to accommodate the village population
of approximately 500(subjected to change with development) and the Industry population
of approximately 200 at one time.

• The quantity and destination of any by-products, including waste?

16
Sewage products, garbage, smoke emission; noise emission etc. from approximately 200
per day, to be recycled and disposed by the regional co-operation; smoke traps; and sound
proofing.

• The modes of transportation that will be used to carry out the proposed activity
and the potential effects of such transportation?

Automobile transport, The effect would be the risk of trucks and cars flowing in opposite
direction on winding hill corners; the release of extra carbon monoxide in to an
environmentally sensitive area; the access road will have to be maintained at a higher
cost.

• The frequency or rate of extraction with respect to the use of the natural
resources?

The initial de-forestation should be the only one; the preservation of the wild life would
be kept with the exception of recreational hunting during the season; the use of fossil fuel
will be monitored\regulated; the system will include a rehabilitation program that would
be fit when necessary and according to the situation.

• The expected life of the project?

As it maintain sustainable development it will continue (life)

• Maps, plans, diagram etc.

All provided in the attachment.

17
Scope and Objective

The proposal put forward for consideration In March of 2009, AC Milan Power
Generation Company Limited and the citizens of Avocat Village, Blanchissues proposed
to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Ministry of Tourism Industry of
Trinidad & Tobago for the development of The Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant.
The proposal put forward for consideration was a hydroelectric power generation plant,
with all modern facilities (water, electricity, telephone, cable, etc.). Additional
development and infrastructure includes flood control measures, turbine (water wheel),
generator, controls, switchgear and facilities for water sports, to become tourist
attractions. This project is the first on this large scale that moves Trinidad & Tobago
further downstream in the Energy and Tourism Industry and involves a collaborative
effort, from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Ministry of Tourism acting on
behalf of the government of Trinidad & Tobago and The Environmental Management
Authority of Trinidad & Tobago acting on the public.

Quality Management

In order to assure the quality of the project, quality management will be the central to the
construction, operation and management of the project. Responsibilities for quality will
be defined for all levels of the organization; however it will be the project manager that
will have the overall responsibility of the quality management. The project manager will
work closely with quality inspectors who will be responsible for:

• Assessment of the action on quality and responsible

• Supervision
• Checking before acceptance
• Evaluation, and quality information management
• Submission for social, environmental, and construction quality

Time and labour would be in assurance system (ISO 9001: 2000)

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 Waterfall

General location for the proposed

Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant

19
Baseline Study:

Topography:

The topography and drainage of the MHR site were determined by field reconnaissance
and existing plot plans of the site.

The site has a man made road through the dense forest. The site is approximately 452 ft
streaming from 10’46’51.26 N to 61’18’59.94W

Drainage:

• On – site Drainage

Field reconnaissance indicated that there was no evidence of any on – site drainage with
the exception of a few stagnated pools of water in the lower lying area in Ravine. Hence,
present runoff from happy hill flows into the main Marianne River by means of the
natural water paths due to the present topography of the site.

Geology:

General Geology:

This site falls within a physiographic known as the Blanchisseuse forest that is a broad
synclinal feature filled with Cenozoic sediments (quarries). The development site lies
approximately 18 km from the Arima Main road. A major road, that makes up part of the
urban area in Trinidad.

Bedrock:

The principal geological unit underlying the site is the Ravine Formation. This bedrock
comprises a Pliocene succession of massive sandstones and siltstones. The upper
northeastern area is made of clay, the lower of sand and silts.

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Geotechnical factor:

The project site consist calcareous clay-stone, which compose of fine silts and stones.
This could possibly account for the present fauna in the soil. In addition there is no
indication of mudflows occurring on or near the site.

The soils there are high plasticity with a plasticity index averaging 45%. The presence of
expansive clays was suggested based on the shrinkage limits ranging from 9% to 23%.
The geo-technical report advises of the presence of swelling clays on the site. The
suggested allowable bearing capacity for shallow foundation (1.5m deep) is 4-150km/m.
Hence large and heavy structure (commercial building etc.) will record piled foundation.

Flora:

In September 2003, a study conducted by the Institute of Marine Affairs, revealed that
twenty-seven species were identified as common, the members of the National
Reforestation Watershed & Rehabilitation Program agreed this upon. These include
plants as bamboo, tapana, crapuad, cocorite, canal lily, juniper etc. those were some
observed at the site visit.

Avifauna:

The IMA in 2003 noted that there were 67 species of avifauna, of common or abundant
resident species. These include tanagers, and grackles. None were observed on the site.

21
Terrestrial Fauna:

In September 2003, a study conducted by the Institute of Marine Affairs, identified as

common, this was agreed upon by the members of the National Reforestation Watershed
& Rehabilitation Program
DISCRIPTION LOCAL NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
A large semi nocturnal rodent Lappe Cuniculus paca
brownish with white spot
A burrowing mammal with the Tatou Armadillo
body encased in bony plates
Fast running rodent rain forest Gouti Dasyprocta Agouti
mammal, famous for its speed
and endurance, they live in
monogamous pairs
A fast four leg animal that has Deer Antelope
great speed,
A green lizard that live mostly Guana Iguana
on trees
Red animal that swings from Red Howler Monkey Alouatta Seniculus
tree to tree Insularis

Birds

Parrots, Mankin, Tuco, Big eye Grieve

Aquatic

Necturus Maculosus (Cray fish)

Very few of the above was observed at the site exploration

Rainfall:

22
Data was provided by the Water Resource Agency for the area of Blanchisseuse, Avocat
Village, the recording station located North of the proposed , for the period 1997-2002
over a six year period the driest month based on monthly average rainfall was March,
with an average of 27mm while the wettest month was July with an average monthly
rainfall of 260mm. The wettest year was 1998 with over 1967mm while 2000 was the
driest over the period with 1387mm of rainfall.

Sewage Treatment:

There was no individual sewage in this area. Individual building is sewerage by septic
tanks\soak away system or pit latrine. No treatment plant will be provided for the
Hydroelectric Power Generation Plant

Healthcare Facilities:

The closest facility is about 18km from the proposed Hydroelectric Power Generation
Plant however this unit cannot deal with sever emergency cases.

Air Quality:

The air quality at present would be at the right standard because there is nothing of the
nature that will contribute to air pollution.

Telecommunication:

There was no cable in that particular area to access telephone communication, the closest
to the area is on the Arima main road approximately 30km to the nearest point.

Water Quality:

23
The water quality monitoring is the: Marianne River (upstream and downstream). The
Institute of Marine Affairs conducted the water quality monitoring in 2004 on behalf of
the ACHPG. The results follow as well the standard (appendix)

IMPACT PREDICTION

 The potential for changes to water quality, air quality and soil quality that might
increase that might increase human exposure to contaminant directly or indirectly.
 The potential health implication of the compounds that will be released to the river
and the environment from the proposed operation in the relation to exposure limits
established for acute and chronic adverse effect on human health and safety.
 The cumulative health and environmental effects that is likely to result from the
project in combination with other existing, approved, and proposed project or
reasonably foreseeable activities in the area.
 Risk of leak and spill into the environment (river)
 Social impacts as it relates to: employment and training, local procurement,
population / demographic movements, natural resource management and land use,
demands on local services and utilities, vulnerable groups (youths and elderly,
handicap, squatters, etc.) lifestyle and culture.
 Impact of the project during the construction and operation phase on transportation
planning and traffic; potential health and safety impacts due to change in traffic
condition, such as increased volume and increase incidence of large / heavy vehicle
 Increase in noise directly affecting the environment and communities
 Increase in dust, odour; change in the aesthetic character of the communities
 Temporary or permanent dislocation \ relocation of villagers
 The introduction of increased danger (fire, explosion, gaseous emission, and other
hazardous substance) to the communities
 Change in emergency response time to any of the above or other factors as a result
of inadequate resources (fire services, police, EHS etc.)

24
 Impacts on habitat use (species migration)
 Impacts on sensitive species including endangered and commercially exploited
 Expected changes in health of flora and fauna with the introduction of activities.
 Expected changes in the quantity and type of species existing in the study area
 Impact on the aquatic ecology
 The impact of outfall (sewage and any possible water on the ambient water quality
at discharge points; the cumulative impact of the continuous / long term discharge at
the proposed site outfall point(s) of the project.
 Impact vegetation and soil saturation
 Dust generation and movements off site during the construction phase
 The impact of drainage pattern that can affect near by communities
 As a preliminary conclusion it was noted that in the other tropical reservoirs CH4 is
emitted as bubbles and CO2 are emitted by molecular diffusion.

These are the valued ecosystem components

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

25
VEC IMPACT DURATION MAGNITUDE SPATIAL TYPE PROBABILITY RANK

EXTENT
Water Increase Moderate Small Regional Direct Medium 2

Resource Demand
Air Decline in Short Small Local Indirect Low 1
quality
Quality And

Cumulativ
e
Communitie Social Permanent Great Local Direct Medium 2
s
To
&
Regional
Lifestyle
Flora Environmen Permanent Great Local Direct High 3
t
To

Regional
Fauna Environmen Long Great Local Direct Medium 2
t
To

Regional
Topology Environmen Long Moderate Local Direct Medium 2
t
To

Regional
Geology Environmen Long Moderate Local Direct Medium 2
t
To

Regional

26
Mitigation Measures

General

 Environmental awareness training of construction workforce should be

conducted, emphasizing the relevant mitigation measures for their area of
responsibility.
 Limit the area of disturbance, or ‘footprint’ to that essential for the project.
 Safe the topsoil by stripping and stockpile prior to construction
 On completion of work ensure topsoil is re-spread over disturbed area to promote
natural regeneration.
 Fencing work areas to exclude livestock and vehicles

Water Quality:

 Ensure that ground water is not use for portable purpose due to hydrocarbon
contamination (natural)
 Schedule measures to avoid or reduce erosion by phasing work program
 Collect and treat any contaminated water prior to discharge off site. This includes
sediments from rainfall run off.
 Create temporary ponds for control of water runoff from site prior to discharge
point at Marianne River; create sediment barriers to filter water.
 At diversion channel and culverts designed to divert flow and to control runoff,
ensure the outlets have adequate source protection. This may include riprap (rocks
held with wire mesh) or geo-textile material.
 Design topsoil stockpile to prevent excessive lost by wind and water.
 Septic tanks should be monitored for leaks and appropriate method statement and
spill plans should be in place prior to septic tank installation / use / transfer.

27
Air Erosion Control:

 Provision should be made for dust suppression during the period of the day
 Use water trucks for regular watering of road
 Minimize the traffic where possible
 Re- vegetation and establishment of ground covers
 Use surface binding / sealing agents on high traffic surface

Noise:

 Design for use noise suppression or equipment / process change to ensure noise
levels are within the required limit (state limit)
 Locate access paths and the facilities as far away as possible

Flora and Fauna:

 During the initial clearing for construction, the site shall be assessed for
compliance with the performance criteria and the EMP requirements.
 Ensure vegetation is not disturbed outside the defined areas of construction
 Ensure riparian areas (vegetation adjacent to waterways / Marianne River etc.) are
clearly marked and identified. Awareness training needs to be given to make sure
these areas are avoided.
 Limit clearing vegetation to that essential for the project
 Fauna inhabiting area should be allowed to relocate naturally
 Education to construction crew not to hunt or kill fauna
 Design night-light not to shine directly to sensitive habitat areas or residential area
 Prior to entry on site machinery should be washed down to avoid disease.

28
  Replanting should include the purchase of flora that may promote biodiversity. An
ecologist should be able to provide a sustainable replanting scheme.

Air quality:

 A machine idling ‘switch off’

 Vehicular use should be minimized
 Vehicle and equipment must be maintained
 Smoke stack where necessary and would reduce any emission as possible

Gas:

 Use lean burn process equipment where possible.

Electricity:

 Use low energy product where possible.

 Place under ground if possible

Telecommunication

 Use environmentally safe phones (cell phone that are available presently)
 Place under ground if possible

29
CONCLUSION:

The government of Trinidad and Tobago in its vision to transform the country into a
develop society by the year 2020 seeks to implement policies and programs that would
promote sustainable development and enhance the quality of life of all citizen. The
integration of the National Reforestation and Rehabilitation Programs (NRWRP) into the
society development agenda provides a unique vehicle, from the multi-dimensional
perspective, of creating meaningful long term sustainable employment while at the same
time addressing the issue of conservation and the wise use enhancement of our natural
renewable resources. It also provides the opportunity to empower communities to care for
their own environment and the resources on which they depend for a live hood.

The forest plantation and natural forests have lately come under sever threat from over-
exploitation, illegal logging, quarrying, squatting, slash and burn agriculture, forest fire
and other activities. The destruction of our forest cover will lead to higher incidence of
soil erosion with increased siltation of rivers, major watercourse and costal areas. Reduce
aquifer recharge and increased flooding in low-lying areas will also occur.

This program provides the mechanism and the resource for dealing with these problems
with active community participation. The aim is to improve and maintain the productivity
and value of lands under the jurisdiction of the state. Private land owners will also be
actively encouraged to join in this national effort to enhance the integrity of the nation’s
watershed and forest. This program also provides an opportunity for the identification and
development of socioeconomic initiatives at the local level through the protecting the
natural fauna (wildlife) and flora including hiking trail, waterfalls, caves, and
monuments. These opportunities wherever identified (Avocat Village) will be explored
through promotion at the local level and transmitted from the Energy Sector to the
tourism sector for further development, the establishment of the Hydroelectric Power

30
Generation Plant within, also generate high attraction for Tourism and Sport with the
beautification of the Reservoir (Diversification). Community involvement and active
participation at all stages would be encouraged. National Food Security will be
augmented through agro- forestry initiatives. (Arable land is cultivated in the area)

The following are cause of land degradation:

 Squatting
 Forest fire
 Shifting cultivation / slash and burn
 Quarrying
 Improper agriculture practice
 Garbage dumping
 Development activities, e.g. housing

Consequences:

 Increased flooding
 Reduced water quality and quantity
 Siltation
 Erosion, landslides, gully and loss in soil fertility
 Loss of forest cover
 Loss of biodiversity (flora & fauna)

 Increased socio-economic cost due to blocked drains, roads, schools, stores,

markets, loss of crops and livestock.

31
It is anticipated that all project conducted under the National Reforestation and
Rehabilitation Program would generate the following major benefits:

 Enhanced forest asset accumulation increased forest cover

 Improve and protect watersheds
 Enhance fore fire protection capability
 Reduction in flooding
 Enhanced state of the environment deriving from increased carbon sequestration
 Increased opportunities for Energy base Industrial Development
 Increased opportunities for Eco-tourism
 Improve recreational facilities
 Employment generation (sustainable live hood) and poverty alleviation
 Entrepreneurial development
 Enhance food security through increased food production as a result of agro-
forestry activities
 Revenue generation, particularly generation from the Energy sector.
 Revenue generation, particularly generation from the foreign export of forest and
eco-tourism products
 Enhance community involvement in the sustainable development process
 Enhance ability of the Government to meet its international obligation re-
environmental protection as provide for in various treaties and protocol.

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One of many Formulas:
(Base on expectancy)

Low-1
Medium-2
High-3

Biodiversity:
Water resource- 2
Air quality- 1
Community - 2
Flora- 3
Fauna- 2
Topology- 2
Geology- 2
TOTAL- 14
MEAN= 14\7=2
Recreation:
Water polo- 2
Fishing- 2
Total- 4
Mean= 4\2=2

Economical Productivity:
Job Creation- 3
Business Develop 3
Cost reduction 3
Diversity 3
Total- 12
Mean = 12\4=3

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Cultural Aesthetic:
Beautification- 3
Increase in utilities 3
Accesses road 3
Social interaction 3
Total- 12
Mean = 12\4=3

Components Values
Biodiversity 2
Recreation 2
Economic Productivity 3
Cultural Aesthetic 3
Total 11

Stressor: Toxic Chemical, Excess Nutrients, Erosion\Sedimentation, Human over

Crowding.

Frequency Value Severity Value

Remotely possible 1 Minor loss\rapid recovery 1
Possible 2 Partial loss\ rapid recovery 2
Likely in near future 3 Partial loss\ long term recovery 3
Occasionally 4 Major loss\long term recovery 4
Ongoing 5 Total loss\minimum recovery 5
Progressively increasing 6 Irreversible loss 6

Stressors Frequency(F) Severity(S) (F*S)

Toxic stressor 1 1 1
Excess nutrient 2 1 2
Erosion 3 2 6
Human over crowding 2 1 2
Total 11

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For evaluation: (F*S) X Total pro value
= 11x11
Total = 121

The permissible value is 300 therefore the value of this project is very much within
the permissible range

Ref: Pg. 53
World Commission on Dams,
Thematic Review II.2: Dams and Global Change

The slow yet steady accumulation of scientific data on methane emissions indicates that
although, in principle, hydroelectric power plants emit less than a fossil fuel power plant
with the same energy generation, there is no justification for claiming that hydro does not
contribute significantly to global warming and climate change. This has to be assessed on
a case by case basis. However the science base is not yet able to give accurate guidance
to planners on whether a new reservoir will or will not emit methane. More research is
needed in order to be able to do this, and this should focus on the following areas.

• What would be the carbon cycle with and without the reservoir?
• How does one account for the stock of carbon by flooding vs growth and decay of
forest?
• How important are the first rapid peaks of methane emission in the total quantity
that will be emitted?

In general it can be said that the risk of methane emissions can be reduced by:
• Avoiding low W/m2 ratios
• Clearing the reservoir of all biomass prior to flooding

35
References:

• National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Program (NRWRP) Ministry

of Public Utilities and Environment, 2009
• Mr. Anil Mahabir, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Division, 2007
• Mr. Housein, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Division, 2007

36
 • Mr. Hatim Ali, Cipriani College of Labour and Co-Operative Studies
• Environmental Protection Agency. Handbook of Chemical Hazard
• IMA 2003. Environmental Impact Assessment for the Establishment of
development
• IMA 2003. Environmental Impact Assessment for the Establishment of water
quality
• IMA 2003. Environmental Impact Assessment for the Establishment of noise
monitoring
• Impact Assessment Theory & Practical, Peter Wathern

Bibliography:
Aselmann, I. and Crutzen, P. (1989) - Global Distribution of Natural Freshwater
Wetlands and Rice Paddies, Their Primary Productivity, Seasonality and Possible
Methane Emissions. Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry. 8: 307-358.

Batlett, K.B.; Harris, R.C. (1993) Review and Assessment of Methane Emission from
Wetlands,Chemosphere, 26, 261-320, 1993.

37